6 September 2007
WOODBURY, NY — At CEDIA Expo 2007, Harman Kardon, Inc., is exhibiting a wide variety of
components and systems that offer exceptional performance and flexibility, ease of use and elegant
design in custom installations, home entertainment systems and multiroom applications.
The company is featuring its DMC 1000 and DMC 250 digital media centers, highly versatile audio/video source components that provide unique media storage and playback capabilities.
Also being showcased are the Harman Kardon AVR 347, AVR 247, AVR 147 and AVR 146 audio/video receivers, all of which offer best-in-class features and technologies, and the CP 65, CP 60 and CP 55 System Solutions complete home theater packages, which combine seamless, integrated operation with advanced features and superlative picture and sound quality.
Rounding out the Harman Kardon CEDIA 2007 lineup are the DVD 48 universal DVD player with DCDi (Directional Correlational Deinterlacing) by Faroudja upscaling to 1080p, the DVD 38 DVD-Audio/Video player, and a variety of dedicated multiroom custom installation products.
Following is an overview of the Harman Kardon audio/video components and systems on exhibit at the Colorado Convention Center, Booth 580(September 6 — 9, 2007).
DMC 1000 and DMC 250: Digital Media Centers With Advanced Home Entertainment Capabilities
The Harman Kardon DMC 1000 is a hard drive-based media server and full-featured DVD player that provides a host of advanced capabilities, including playback of up to four audio streams, independently and simultaneously. The DMC 250 is a DVD player that also stores content to media cards or USB storage devices, and plays back audio and video files from them. Both models feature a striking industrial design with sleek, ultramodern styling, and a base that imparts a unique “floating” appearance.
The DMC 1000 can store more than 60,000 songs (based on average data rate and compression), complete with full track-identification information and album cover art (where available), and can play back audio and still-image files from a variety of media cards and USB storage devices. Music and images stored on the DMC 1000’s hard drive can also be copied to a memory card or USB storage device. The DMC 1000 is also designed to be used as a full-featured DVD/CD player. It includes a fully enabled HDMI 1.1 output with upscaling to 1080p, and offers extensive multizone functionality, including iPod* multizone music and video/still-image playback and remote-zone control when a compatible iPod is connected to it via the Bridge**iPod docking station from Harman Kardon (sold separately).
The Harman Kardon DMC 250 is a flexible source component that includes a progressive-scan DVD player; it can store audio files to memory cards and USB storage devices, and play back audio and video files from them. The DMC 250’s intuitive on-screen interface offers ready access to its numerous performance and convenience features, and makes it easy to transfer favorite music from the home to a car, portable audio player or cell phone.
The Harman Kardon DMC 1000 and DMC 250 digital media centers will be available in September 2007 at suggested retail prices of $3,499 and $449, respectively.
AVR Series Receivers: Best-in-Class Performance and Flexibility
The Harman Kardon 7.1-channel AVR 347 and AVR 247, and 5.1-channel AVR 147 and AVR 146 audio/video receivers offer an expanded complement of advanced features, including HDMI connectivity, and are capable of passing high-definition video signals up to 1080p via their HDMI or component video outputs. In addition, the AVR 347 and AVR 247 incorporate DCDi by Faroudja processing and scaling to 720p, and provide audio/video processing and signal-repeater functionality via their HDMI outputs. All models (except the AVR 146) include proprietary EzSet/EQ automatic room equalization and system calibration to achieve unsurpassed sonic accuracy, and feature XM Satellite Radio capability*** (where available).
Each receiver includes an iPod interface that enables enhanced iPod audio and video playback and remote-control capabilities when a compatible iPod is connected to the receiver using The Bridge docking station from Harman Kardon (iPod and The Bridge not included). All offer a host of versatile features including A/V Sync Delay for exact synchronization of audio and video signals in any home theater system, exclusive Logic 7 surround-enhancement technologies, and high-current, ultrawide-bandwidth amplifier sections for extraordinary sound quality, and many additional refinements. The AVR 347 and AVR 247 also provide multiroom audio capabilities, and the AVR 347 incorporates the A-BUS system for easy multizone connectivity.
The brand is also exhibiting its 7.2-channel AVR 745, a powerful and flexible receiver that includes exclusive EzSet/EQII automatic system-calibration and room-equalization function with stereo subwoofer adjustment capability; multiroom functionality with A-BUS connectivity; and many additional refinements.
The Harman Kardon AVR 347, AVR 247, AVR 147 and AVR 146 are available at suggested retail prices of $899, $549, $449 and $349, respectively, and the AVR 745 is available at a suggested retail price of $3,499.
DVD 48 and DVD 38: Superlative Picture and Sound Quality
The Harman Kardon DVD 48 universal DVD player is a high-performance source component that incorporates built-in DCDi by Faroudja processing and scaling to 1080p, and multichannel DVD-Audio and Super Audio CD (SACD) playback, for exceptional picture and sound quality. The DVD 38 DVD-Audio/Video player with built-in 1080i upscaling is also available.
Both models include HDMI outputs and feature pixel-by-pixel processing, motion-adaptive pixel-based deinterlacing and premium digital-video D/A converters to deliver sharp, detailed and realistic images. The DVD 48 and DVD 38 provide superlative sound as well, with comprehensive audio control and bass management. Both players are compatible with a wide variety of disc formats, and offer a wealth of performance and convenience features.
The Harman Kardon DVD 48 universal DVD player and DVD 38 DVD Audio/Video player are available at suggested retail prices of $349 and $249, respectively.
CP Series System Solutions: Seamless Operation, Enhanced Features and Unified Design
The Harman Kardon CP 65, CP 60 and CP 55 System Solutions are complete home theater packages based around the 7.1-channel AVR 347 and AVR 247, and 5.1-channel AVR 146 audio/video receivers. Combining advanced features with ease of operation and distinctively elegant black-and-silver styling, the CP 65, CP 60 and CP 55 all include a receiver, DVD player, 5.1-channel loudspeaker system and universal programmable learning remote control, in addition to the capability for the AVR 146 that is supplied with the CP 55 system.
The CP 65 includes an AVR 347 receiver, DVD 48 universal DVD player and a Harman Kardon HKTS 18 home theater speaker package. The CP 60 features an AVR 247 receiver, DVD 38 DVD-Audio/Video player and an HKTS 15 speaker system, and the CP 55 includes an AVR 146 receiver, DVD 38 DVD player and an HKTS 15 speaker package. In addition, a pair of optional HKS 9 and HKS 6 satellite speakers can be added to the CP 65 and CP 60, respectively, to create a 7.1-channel home theater system.
The audio/video components in the CP 65, CP 60 and CP 55 systems all work seamlessly with each other, and deliver exceptional audio and video performance. All include HDMI connectivity and wide-bandwidth component video switching, making them ideal for use in HDTV-based home entertainment systems. The loudspeaker packages include satellite and center channel speakers that are wall-mountable for maximum installation flexibility (optional floor stands for the satellites are also available).
The Harman Kardon CP 65, CP 60 and CP 55 System Solutions are all currently available. Suggested retail prices are as follows: CP 65, $1,899; CP 60, $1,399; CP 55, $1,199. The optional HKS 9 and HKS 6 satellite speakers are available at suggested retail prices of, respectively, $149 per pair and $119 per pair.
ABH 4000, ABH 4, AB 2 and AB 1: Providing Expanded A-BUS Multiroom Functionality
The Harman Kardon lineup of A-BUS multiroom audio solutions includes its ABH 4000 four-zone/eight-room A-BUS expansion hub, ABH 4 A-BUS expansion hub, AB 2 amplified in-wall module and AB 1 in-wall amplified module.
The ABH 4000 distributes, using Cat. 5 cable, two-channel audio, power and control signals from up to four audio-source components to up to four zones and eight room locations. The ABH 4000 provides a cost-effective means of creating a multizone audio system that may be implemented using just source components, an ABH 4000 and AB 2 modules located in the remote zones. The ABH 4000 can also add A-BUS multizone capability to any receiver via its loop-through audio connections, or expand the A-BUS capabilities of Harman Kardon A-BUS multiroom receivers. If desired, multiple ABH 4000’s or ABH 4’s can be linked together for larger multizone systems.
The ABH 4 A-BUS expansion hub increases the multiroom capability of any Harman Kardon A-BUS receiver. It connects to the A-BUS output of a receiver and distributes, via Cat. 5 cable, two-channel audio, power and control signals to up to four AB 2 or AB 1 in-wall modules in remote zones. The ABH 4 also includes two-channel audio inputs to enable any receiver with line-level multiroom audio outputs to interface with the ABH 4 and deliver audio to connected AB 2 or AB 1 modules.
The AB 2 in-wall A-BUS keypad controller operates in conjunction with the ABH 4000 to provide source selection and control functions, and features a built-in two-channel amplifier to power a pair of speakers in the remote zone. The AB 2, as well as the AB 1, has an integrated IR sensor, fits into a standard electrical J-Box or plaster ring, and accepts a Decora cover plate.
The AB 1 amplified in-wall module is ideal for a variety of A-BUS applications. The AB 1 connects to a compatible Harman Kardon A/V receiver or other A-BUS component, and features a built-in two-channel amplifier with volume control to power a pair of speakers.
Suggested retail pricing is as follows: ABH 4000, $599; ABH 4, $219; AB 2, $249; AB 1, $149.
The ABH 4000 and AB 2 will be available in fall 2007; the ABH 4 and AB 1 are currently available.
The Harman Consumer Group (HCG), Inc., is a leading designer, manufacturer and marketer of a wide range of high-fidelity loudspeakers, audio and video components, and multimedia systems for use in homes and automobiles, and with computers. The group’s brands include JBL, Infinity, Harman Kardon, Mark Levinson, Revel, Audioaccess and Lexicon.
HCG is a division of Harman International Industries, Incorporated. Harman International (www.harman.com) is a leading manufacturer of high-quality, high-fidelity audio products and electronic systems for the automotive, consumer and professional markets. The company’s stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “HAR.”
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For additional information, contact:
Frank Doris
FM Public Relations
631-385-1304 ext. 402
frank.doris@fm-group.net
Harman Kardon, Logic 7 and EzSet are registered trademarks, and EzSet/EQ and The Bridge are trademarks, of Harman International Industries, Incorporated.
A-BUS is a registered trademark of LeisureTech Electronics Pty Ltd.
DCDi by Faroudja is a registered trademark of Genesis Microchip Inc.
Decora is a registered trademark of Leviton Manufacturing Company, Inc.
HDMI is a trademark of HDMI Licensing LLC.
iPod is a registered trademark of Apple Inc.
SACD is a trademark of Sony Corporation.
XM is a registered trademark of XM Satellite Radio.
*Optional XM antenna, module and subscription to XM service required. Hardware and service sold separately. XM service not available in Alaska and Hawaii.
**Compatible with iPod models with docking connector; includes all Click Wheel models.
***The Bridge is compatible with the DMC 1000 digital media center and Harman Kardon AVR 47 Series, AVR 146, 45 Series and 40 Series receivers; not compatible with earlier Harman Kardon products, or with other brands of audio/video equipment.
© 2007 Harman International Industries, Incorporated. All rights reserved.